Join Paul for a preview from the forthcoming book of the same title, scheduled for release in the summer of 2026.
For nearly a decade, Paul has been traveling the state to seek out the sites of more than 300 historic photos dating from the 1870s to the 1970s (yes, the 1970s are now “historic”!) He then positions his camera to make a precisely-matching modern image of the same exact scene. This technique puts history in context, reveals environmental change, and shows the development (and sometimes the decline) of towns and cities and landscapes.
Learn how Paul first acquired and selected historic images for this state-wide project; how he figured out where these images were taken; and what various techniques were he used to replicate the photos. This includes a traditional high-resolution digital camera as well as a drone for elevated views which match historic photos taken from airplanes, water towers, grain elevators or other structures which may no longer exist.
Paul will share what he has discovered through examples of this glimpse at past and present. South Dakota’s largest cities, the smallest towns, the mountains, the rivers, the prairies and farms and Badlands are all part of this multi-year survey of our state.
About Paul:
Paul Horsted has been photographing South Dakota’s people and places for 40 years. His work has appeared in publications such as LIFE magazine, Reader's Digest, USA Today, Smithsonian, and South Dakota Magazine and in numerous books.
Paul’s specialty is finding the sites of historic photographs and then creating a precisely-matched modern image, to show the beauty and history of our country "then and now" in an entertaining and informative way. These photopairs inform our understanding of history, the environment and development, and are beautiful to look at as well.
Paul’s best-known book is The Black Hills Yesterday & Today, with more than 150 then-and-now images of this historic region. Paul has also applied this technique to images of the 1874 Black Hills “Custer” Expedition. Right now (in late 2025) he’s working to publish a new book, “South Dakota Yesterday & Today” featuring some 300 ‘then and now’ views from across the state. The book will be released in the summer of 2026.
Paul presents his work in large-format books but especially enjoys giving live presentations that go behind the scenes of his latest projects.
Click the button to learn more about Paul’s work.